Friday Spotlight: Women’s Only Gym
By: Terry Cooper
Last updated: Friday, 27 January 2023
Sussexsport are now running a series of women's only gym sessions in collaboration with Active US. The classes are open to all self-identifying women and are designed to be beginner friendly but also provide a space to work out, even if you are a regular gym goer. These sessions run on Mondays 2-3pm and Thursdays 2-3pm throughout term time and are open to staff and students.
The goal of these sessions is to break down barriers and create a space for those who might be nervous about coming to the gym and trying different equipment. This is afantasticopportunity to try something new and ask all the questions you have been too afraid to ask in the past to our lovelyfitness instructors Ria and Donna. Our instructors will be able to cover key equipment, safe lifting techniques, making the most of your workout as well as answering any burning questions.
Sussexsport duty manager Donna has enjoyed running these sessions so far and commented on how creating a beginner friendly and accessiblespace has had a positive impact on the attendees:
‘I've had a few regulars join and they have said it is the main reason that they come to the Sport Centre – as they're complete beginners who have never been to the gym before.One lady even mentioned that she looks forward to the weekly sessions and has seen improvements in her mental health since.’
Donna also spoke about the community feel created in these sessions and the impact of this:
‘I do believe that the group look towards me and Ria as friends and they feel comfortable coming in.My favorite part of running these sessions is the breaking down of barriers that these ladies have built up and watching their confidence grow. I would recommend the sessions to anyone who wants to use the gym but is unsure of the gym environment but also ladies who onlydo cardio and are looking to try something new.’
These sessions are free for Sussexsportgold and silvermembers and just £2 for students signing up through the Active US project. To book your spot on the next session head over to the online shop to book through Active US or book the class as usual if you are aSussexsport member.